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A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. -OWHJ

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  • About
  • Pacific Crest Trail
    • Announcement
    • Preparation
    • The Countdown Begins
    • Pre-Trail Gear List
    • Trail Journal
      • Chapter I: Southern California
        • Part I: Days 1-10
        • Part II: Days 11-20
        • Part III: Days 21-30
        • Part IV: Days 31-40
        • Part V: Days 41-55
      • Chapter II: Sierra
        • Part I: Days 56-64
        • Part II: Days 65-74
        • Part III: Days 75-100
      • Chapter III: Washington
        • Part I: Days 101-115
        • Part II: Days 116-126
        • Part III: Days 127-134
      • Chapter IV: Sierra cont.
        • Part I: Days 135-143
      • Chapter V: Northern California
        • Part I: Days 144-154
        • Part II: Days 155-167
        • Part III: Days 168-174
      • Chapter VI: Oregon
        • Part I: Days 175-185
        • Part II: Days 186-194
    • The Journey Continues
  • North America
    • Appalachian Trail, CT
    • Okemo Valley, VT
    • Burlington, VT
    • Zion National Park
  • Europe
    • Paris
    • Norway
      • Oslo
      • Norwegian Countryside
      • Via Ferrata Loen
      • Trolltunga
  • Contact

An Introduction to Backpacking

April 19, 20191 Comment

It was just a few days ago when one of my very best friends, Meg, texted me that she wanted to join on my section hike of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut. I immediately jumped into high gear and texted her a list of things she would need to gather. I had most of the … Continue reading An Introduction to Backpacking

Fresh Powder and New Friends in Okemo Valley

April 1, 20194 Comments

It was a few weeks ago when I drove four hours north to Burlington, Vermont. I decided to take the weekend and explore the state a little further. As I made my way south, I opted to stop in Ludlow. My destination: Okemo Mountain. Now keep in mind that I have not stepped foot on … Continue reading Fresh Powder and New Friends in Okemo Valley

Burlington In a Day

March 12, 2019Leave a comment

Do you know when you just need to experience a change of scenery? That was me this past weekend. I had a job interview scheduled in Vermont so I took advantage of the opportunity to explore the area. Lately, I’ve heard a decent amount of good reviews about living in the state so I knew … Continue reading Burlington In a Day

The Journey Continues

November 1, 20184 Comments

Everyone always tells you that adjusting to life post trail can be difficult. Be aware they say, don’t get caught off guard, and understand that your journey doesn’t have to come to an end at the terminus. I knew that going into the hike I would have the time of my life. I would live … Continue reading The Journey Continues

PCT Journal: Days 186-194 (Oregon Pt. II)

October 23, 2018October 23, 201810 Comments

Day 186-188 Zero in Bend, OR Daily Mileage: 0 Total PCT Mileage: 505.5 SoBo + 1925.6 NoBoThe first additional day we stayed in Bend we woke up with the intention of getting back on trail, but last minute we decided against it. We did the math and realized how early we were going to be … Continue reading PCT Journal: Days 186-194 (Oregon Pt. II)

PCT Journal: Days 175-185 (Oregon Pt. I)

October 13, 2018October 13, 20183 Comments

Day 175 Mile 1696 to I-5/Hitch to Ashland, OR Daily Mileage: 23.2 Total PCT Mileage: 505.5 SoBo + 1719.2 NoBoIt was misting once again in the morning. We could see blue sky through the scattered clouds but we weren’t too optimistic. It rained lightly on and off but we made good time with the cool … Continue reading PCT Journal: Days 175-185 (Oregon Pt. I)

PCT Journal: Days 168-174 (NorCal Pt. III)

October 3, 20182 Comments

Day 168 Dunsmuir, CA to Mile 1516.4 Daily Mileage: 15.2 Total PCT Mileage: 505.5 SoBo + 1516.2 NoBoThe cabin got chilly last night but this time we had wool blankets to keep us warm. I didn’t sleep the best after eating such a large dinner. I was surprised by how much food fit inside my … Continue reading PCT Journal: Days 168-174 (NorCal Pt. III)

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Recent Posts

  • An Introduction to Backpacking
  • Fresh Powder and New Friends in Okemo Valley
  • Burlington In a Day
  • The Journey Continues
  • PCT Journal: Days 186-194 (Oregon Pt. II)

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I took @ohoolihan1030 on her first backpacking trip, and I might have kept a trail journal 😎 . Link in Bio! . #appalachiantrail #trektheat #appalachiantrials #connecticut #sectionhike #womenwhohike #theoutbound #sheexplores #thehikemovement #hikingadventures #keepitwild #howloften #mtnchicks
My feelings exactly, about our backpacking trip these past few days on the Appalachian Trail. Variable weather, but beautiful scenery and great memories for sure. So proud of you @ohoolihan1030! . . #appalachiantrail #trektheat #appalachiantrials #connecticut #sectionhike #womenwhohike #theoutbound #sheexplores #thehikemovement #hikingadventures #keepitwild #howloften #mtnchicks
And so today marks my #trailversary, the day I started my trek on the #pacificcresttrail last year. The experience is hard to put into words. It might not have been easy, but it was nothing short of rewarding. The scenery never ceased to amaze me, the people and friendships created were always uplifting, and none of it would’ve been possible without the trail itself. A big thank you to the @pctassociation and all of the generous #trailangels who, more than anyone, understand the magic and beauty of this trail. . . #pct #pct2018 #pctclassof2018 #pctig #pacificcresttrials #trekthepct #thruhike #backpackerradio #backpacker #mexicotocanada #optoutside #womenwhohike #theoutbound #sheexplores #thehikemovement #outdoorphotography #hikingadventures #keepitwild #howloften #mtnchicks #choosemountains
A few weeks later and almost all of the ice that once blanketed Lake Champlain has melted. It’s a good reminder that although sometimes we feel unmoving or stagnant, the world around us continues forward with life. . Excited to say that my next chapter will continue in this northwest corner of Vermont! Sometimes when an opportunity presents itself, the best thing we can do is embrace it and see where its path leads. Plus, who can argue with an avid outdoor culture, and an abundance of local food and craft beer! . . #lakechamplain #vermont #sheexplores #wanderlust #findyouradventure #adventureinspired #lifeofadventure #thediscoverer #neverstopexploring #travelersnotebook #adventureculture #instatravel #travelgram #optoutside
PCT 2018: SOCAL ⬖ Thru-hikers are beginning to start their journeys northbound and I’m reliving those moments all over again. The desert heat, the dusty and achy feet, the insatiable quench for water, the blossoming friendships, the sense of freedom, the lack of urgency, the unknown day after day. It’s hard not to miss it. The entire trail was beautiful and inspiring, but the desert is extremely special for so many reasons. Enjoy every minute of it #pct2019 class! . 📷: @theirishcapta . . #pacificcresttrail #pct #pcta #pct2018 #pctclassof2018 #pctig #desert #pacificcresttrials #trekthepct #socal #mexicotocanada #thruhike #optoutside #womenwhohike #theoutbound #sheexplores #thehikemovement #outdoorphotography #hikingadventures #keepitwild
New England has a special place in my heart. Like many things, it can’t be replicated. While I don’t quite know where I’ll end up years down the road, I might stick around this corner of the country for a little while longer. Sometimes when opportunities fall into place, traveling an unexpected road might just be the best thing for the soul. . . #newengland #connecticut #connecticutoutdoors #newenglandlife #coveredbridge #optoutside #theoutbound #thegreatoutdoors #womenwhoexplore #explore
When you think about it, it’s experience that builds our unique characteristics, not material objects. So maybe it’s natural that we find our own originality when we strip away all the things that distract us. -Fumio Sasaki || Goodbye, Things ⬖ Focusing on the things that matter to me, like writing - - New blog post up! ✌🏻 ⬖ #vermont #lakechamplain #sheexplores #wanderlust #findyouradventure #roamtheplanet #lifeofadventure #thediscoverer #neverstopexploring #travelersnotebook #adventureculture #instatravel #travelgram #travelculture #optoutside #womenwhoexplore
A short trip to Vermont proved successful- explored a new area, walked across Lake Champlain (frozen over for the first time in four years 🤓), stumbled upon delicious craft beer, danced until my feet were sore, hopped on my snowboard again, indulged in fantastic locally sourced cuisine, discovered my new favorite hostel, and met some amazing people. . . #lakechamplain #burlington #sheexplores #wanderlust #findyouradventure #adventureinspired #lifeofadventure #thediscoverer #neverstopexploring #travelersnotebook #adventureculture #instatravel #travelgram #travelphotography #TLPicks #travelculture #livetravelchannel #travelcommunity
PCT 2018: Washington ⬖ Yet another expression of the pure exhaustion I sometimes felt on trail. It’s difficult not to look back and romanticize the whole journey, so I often have to remind myself that every day wasn’t a walk in the park. I would do anything to be back out there again and often find myself sad that I’m not, but in the end, I’m not entirely sure I would enjoy it right away after just having finished a thru-hike. New Goal: To be mindful and present in each moment as well as create new goals and look forward to future adventures. This will, however, not stop me from reminiscing with my #hikertrash friends. 🤓 . P.S. Best curry on trail 👉🏻 @aardvarkexpress 🙌🏻 . . #pacificcresttrail #pct #pct2018 #pctclassof2018 #pctig #pacificcresttrials #trekthepct #backpackerradio #mexicotocanada #thruhike #optoutside #womenwhohike #theoutbound #thehikemovement #outdoorphotography #hikingadventures
PCT 2018: NorCal ⬖ Definitely not the most flattering photo, but it does truly capture the mood I was in at that very moment. We decided to stop hiking for the day and set up camp. Then down we went to get to the creek. Switchback after switchback in the hot sun, I cursed and wondered if it would be worth it. To my relief, were greeted by cold, refreshing water and a place downstream to rinse off the dirt and sweat of the past few days. Then back up to the trail we headed to rest our feet. Inspired by @twerkinthedirt to post my #hikertrashvogue moment 💁🏼‍♀️ . . #hikertrashvoguetuesday #pacificcresttrail #pct #pct2018 #pctclassof2018 #pctig #pacificcresttrials #trekthepct #backpackerradio #mexicotocanada #thruhike #hikertrash #optoutside #womenwhohike #theoutbound #thehikemovement #outdoorphotography #hikingadventures
6 miles and 5 lbs of trash later 🙄 #thegroundskeepers
Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life. -John Muir . I couldn’t have said it any better. 👌🏻
It’s snowing outside here in New England today and all I can think about are those sunny mornings on the trail. The morning routine was never altered: Wake up, get dressed (if I didn’t already sleep in my hiking clothes), pack up camp, brush teeth, braid hair, eat breakfast, throw on pack, start walking. Craving that simple life again 🙋🏼‍♀️
...naturalistic outdoor environments in general remain some of the only places where we engage all five senses, and thus, by definition, are fully, physically alive. It is where our savanna-bred brains are, to borrow from John Muir, “home,” whether we consciously know it or not. -Florence Williams, The Nature Fix . Can any thru-hikers guess where this was taken? 😉
First go at being a Grounds Keeper and picked up almost 3 lb of trash on the Appalachian Trail ♻️ Word of advice... if you’re going to use a waste bag for your dog, pack it out please! 🤦🏼‍♀️ @thegroundskeepers
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